Philly Confidential

Half of the teenage-thug duo who police say fired a gun into a crowded El train last week after an argument over the Sixers, wounding two passengers, was arrested on Monday and charged in the shooting.

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Cops said Eric Early, 16, is one of two men seen in surveillance video exchanging words with a Chicago Bulls fan on the train Wednesday night, then exiting onto the platform near 46th and Market streets in West Philadelphia. When the two men – identified by cops as brothers – leave the train, one turns around, pulls a gun, and fires back through the doors.

The bullet, police said, went through the abdomen of a 36-year-old man and into the leg of a 30-year-old man standing behind him. Both were hospitalized in stable condition following the shooting.

Police are still on the hunt for Matthew Early, 18. Eric Early, of 49th Street near Chestnut, is charged with aggravated assault and related offenses. His brother faces the same charges.

Anyone with information on the older Early’s whereabouts is asked to contact police at 215-686-TIPS (8477), Southwest Detectives at 215-686-3183, text a tip to PPD TIP (773847) or submit a tip online. Tipsters can remain anonymous.